Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Travis Hunter is an incredibly talented young player who did amazing things in college.
    Gary Davenport, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The sale offers amazing discounts across thousands of products, including my personal favorite category, toys.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The astonishing social movements of the decade—particularly the black freedom struggle and the antiwar movement—could have produced a more durable sense of solidarity and collective possibilities.
    Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
  • One of the best actors working today, Coon essentially plays two different sides of Rita with astonishing range across these chronologies, portraying the past and the present of her character through distinctive markers.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • If the Broncos have a miraculous 17-0 season, Payton would pass Marty Schottenheimer (200).
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In an escape bordering on the miraculous, the crash somehow spared motorists on Milam Dairy Road and terrified workers in a bustling industrial warehouse district west of the airport.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes sweaty, sometimes sneering, often grandiose, and always conflicted, this Hansen presents the actor with a marvelous opportunity to demonstrate his stupefying range.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Japanese arthouse favorite Hirokazu Koreeda returns to his wheelhouse to marvelous effect with Look Back, an aching drama about growing up and making art, featuring a pair of stunning performances from child actors.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In finishing 27 for 30 for 401 yards, Mensah went an incredible 12 for 14 on passes thrown 10 yards or more.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The best form of flattery is imitation, and Robert Pattinson does an incredible impression of Chris Hansen for A24’s new movie, Primetime.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Strong top-line numbers can cover a surprising amount of inefficiency, so growth alone shouldn’t be taken as evidence that every part of the business is working well.
    Dmitriy Schwarzburg, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps not surprising, some of these millionaires have stakes in investment firms or medical, dental, or legal practices.
    Eric Zwick, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • For a team to pile up 38 first downs on a Clemson defense is stunning.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Mehdi Norowzian has crafted an emotionally profound and visually stunning film that demonstrates extraordinary cinematic artistry.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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